Singability (is this even a word?)
Do the stressed syllables of the lyrics match the stressed beats of the music?Are the words you want emphasized sung with longer notes?Does it have a smooth melody?Are the intervals easy to sing? (Usually 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths and octaves are easiest.)Is the melody supported by the chord progression?Does the melody fall within the singable range of the majority? (Usually, not much lower than an A, and not much higher than a D.)Is it too wordy? Too many words make it difficult to focus on God.Scripture - more of "The Word" in the words.
When scripture is married to music ("the one force that God created, that bypasses the intellect"), it drives straight into the heart of the listener.Have you ever noticed it's easier to memorize scripture that has been set to music?Praise songs that contain The Word feed the heart in preparation for the worship time.Lyrics that declare His attributes (i.e. our Healer, our Provider, our Peace etc.), for He brings those attributes to bear on our present circumstance as we sing them.Lyrics that declare an awareness of and response to the glory and sovereignty of God.Repetition
This makes the song easier for the congregation to retain and memorize it.Imagery
Does it capture an image? Does it paint a picture of how you feel about a given situation at a given moment in time?The most powerful imagery is imagery in action.Making the Connection
The lyric is arguably the most important part of a song. Be clear. It is primary and fundamental that the audience understands what you are saying. If not . . . it might as well have been an instrumental.Just plain, does it minister? Is it prophetic or evangelistic?Does it create an atmosphere for praise or worship?Does it use the language of the assembly?If aimed at Youth, does it "groove"?If aimed at Kids, is it happy?Is it simple, or is it 70's "Art-Rock"?Has the Holy Spirit been produced right out of the song?Has it gone right over the common man's head?Is it intended for small group or large congregation?Can it be sung by five people and an acoustic guitar?Are their long uncomfortable pauses that are normally filled with strings or horns?Simplicity
Simple images cut deep like a sharp knife.One of the most common mistakes made by beginning songwriters is trying to say too much. The simplest songs are usually the most powerful.Complex writing in "code" that sounds like some other good song somewhere doesn't cut it. Many writers play it safe behind vague or complex lyrics.If you try to say in three minutes or less how you feel about everything in your life, you will lose people. It is more powerful to show how you feel about ONE thing, right now.
